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According to Massachusetts health officials, 338 medical mistakes occurred in hospitals throughout the state last year. Many of these errors could have been avoided. The findings are part of a study that documents “serious reportable events” in 2008.

Breakdown of the 338 serious reportable incidents occurring in Massachusetts hospitals last year:

• Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary • Fairview Hospital • Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
• St Vincent Hospital, Worcester • Nashoba Valley Medical Center, Ayer
Public Health regulators are quick to caution that consumers shouldn’t think of these results as a quality report card and to consider there may appear to be more serious reportable incidents at certain hospitals because some medical care centers may be more (or less) conscientious about documenting such events.

Some of the hospitals that have been noted for their quantity of serious reportable incidents have been making efforts to remedy the situation. The Department of Public Health began requiring Massachusetts hospitals to report any of 28 adverse medical events beginning January 1, 2008. For example, both St. Vincent Hospital and Norwood Hospital have implemented new measure to prevent fall accidents.